David Beckham's debut with PSG on hold

Likely to play Marseille next week

The Associated Press

Posted:
Feb 16, 2013 12:22 PM ET

Last Updated:
Feb 16, 2013 12:21 PM ET

David Beckham will have to wait at least one more week to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain after coach Carlo Ancelotti ruled him out of Sunday's match against Sochaux.

"No, he will stay here and work. He will stay here and improve his physical condition," Ancelotti said Saturday when asked if the 37-year-old former England captain will play. "He still needs to work, and with a week's work he will be ready the following week against Marseille."

PSG hosts title rival Marseille on Feb. 24 and again three days later in the French Cup.

"I think he can play easily against Marseille after one week more training, no problem," Ancelotti said. "I will make the decision whether he starts or not."

Beckham, who is looking to win the league championship in a fourth different country, started full training with PSG this week and has not played since his last appearance for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Dec. 1. He trained alone last week in London along with some personal fitness trainers.

"The level of French football is high, there is a lot of rhythm, a lot of intensity," Ancelotti said, adding that he plans to use Beckham either in a defensive central midfield role or out wide on the right.

"He brings his experience, his quality, his professionalism. These are the things we need from David," said Ancelotti, who is close to Beckham after coaching him when he was in charge of AC Milan. "I'm not just keeping him for the Cup or the Champions League, he can play in every match."

Ahead of this weekend's matches, PSG leads Lyon by six points and Marseille by eight.

"We are in very good form at the moment," Ancelotti said, referring to PSG's unbeaten start to the year.

PSG took a step toward reaching the Champions League quarterfinals by winning 2-1 away to Valencia in midweek.